bridle![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Head harness that enables the rider to steer a horse by using one or two bits in the horse’s mouth, which are connected to the reins.
throat latch ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strap that runs under the horse’s throat to prevent the bridle from sliding forward; it must be loose enough to allow the horse to breathe freely.
crownpiece ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strap that runs over the horse’s head behind the ears; it keeps the snaffle and cheek straps in place.
browband ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strap that runs around the front of the horse’s head; it prevents the bridle from sliding backward.
cheek strap ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strap that runs along the horse’s cheek and connects the crownpiece to the curb bit; it keeps the bit in the desired place in the horse’s mouth.
snaffle strap ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strap that runs along the horse’s cheek and connects the crownpiece to the snaffle bit; it keeps the bit in the desired place in the horse’s mouth.
noseband ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the bridle that runs around the head above the nostrils; it prevents the horse from opening its mouth and losing the bit.
curb bit ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bit composed of a mouth and two side bars; it lowers the horse’s nose.
curb chain ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Metal chain that hangs from the cheek rings and passes under the horse’s jaw to secure the bit.
snaffle bit ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bit composed of a mouth and two side rings; it lifts the horse’s head.
curb rein ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strap that the rider holds to control the curb bit and thus steer the horse.
snaffle rein ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Strap that the rider holds to control the snaffle bit and thus steer the horse.